Overall, 169 people in this age group have been recommended after undergoing a selection process, up from 128 in 2016.
According to Church forecasts, this means that around nearly three in 10 (29%) of those entering training for the priesthood this year are expected to be aged under 32.
The Church’s latest report on vocations also shows that the overall number of people – of any age – recommended to train for ordination, is up 7% in the last 12 months, to 580 from 541 in 2017.
Women make up the majority of this year’s candidates (54%) – the highest ever proportion.
In total, 316 have been recommended for training, up 11% on last year.
Julian Hubbard, director of the Church of England’s ministry division, said: “I am delighted that the Church of England has seen a rise in the number of vocations to the priesthood for the second year running.
“We are particularly pleased to see the increase in the number of young women and men entering training.
“We give heartfelt thanks for the prayers and the hard work of all in the churches and dioceses who have been involved in guiding these candidates along their journey and pray that God will continue to bless and guide them to build a growing Church for all people in all places.”
Jo Burden, 25, who was first asked if she had considered training while she was studying at the University of York, has completed her first year of…
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